Arts & Culture in Iowa

Arts & Culture

Numerous arts and cultural facilities spread across Okoboji, Iowa, continue to preserve and showcase the city's long and exciting history. The areas surrounding the Great Lakes in Iowa include several interactive museums that are open all year that reflect various historical eras in the area.

Abbie Gardner's Cabin and Museum
74 Monument Drive, Arnolds Park, Iowa, 51331
In 1857, when a 13-year-old girl named Abbie Gardner was kidnapped and members of the Dakota-Indian nation slaughtered her family, a cabin built in the 19th century witnessed the escalating hostilities between Native Americans and the new immigrants. The Spirit Lake Massacre is the name given to this horrific incident. Many years after the tragedy, Abbie visited Arnolds Park and bought the cabin, one of Iowa's first and most well-known tourist attractions.

Arnolds Park Funhouse Museum
37 Lake St., Arnolds Park, Iowa, 51331
Arnold's Park Amusement Park is one of the world's oldest continuously running amusement parks, having first opened its gates in 1889. All family members will have a blast at the park's many rides and attractions, including a beach with boat rides, a nautical museum, and a scuba center.

Clark Museum
2151 213th Ave., Milford, Iowa, 51351
Since opening in 1985, this museum has been a great place to learn about the history of the Iowa Great Lakes Area through the hundreds of artifacts, vintage items, and photographs it displays.

Dickinson County Museum
1708 Keokuk Avenue, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360
Spirit Lake, Iowa, is home to a prestigious museum that showcases extensive collections relating to the city's railroad, agricultural, tourist, and industrial past. Visit the Dickinson County Museum to get a feel for the area's history and culture.

Dickinson County Nature Center
22785 Nature Center Road, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51355
An indoor beehive-themed play area, live animals, a bat tunnel, and other educational displays make this nature center an excellent place for kids to learn about wildlife and exercise outside. The park features a children's play area, brand-new art installations, and a variety of amenities, including a nature playscape, trails, disc golf, and the historic Westport Schoolhouse.

Higgins Museum
1507 Sanborn Avenue, Okoboji, Iowa, 51355
More than 2,500 different national bank notes dating from 1863 to 1935 can be seen at this pet-friendly museum. Take a look at some of the 16,000 to 20,000 Iowa photo postcards sent out around the turn of the century and learn about the golden age of local paper money in the United States.

Indian Motorcycle Experience Center and Factory Tours
1900 US-71 Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360
The Indian Motorcycle Experience Center and Factory, which displays existing and ancient Indian motorcycles, including vintage artifacts and relics, is dedicated to preserving Indian Motorcycle history for new generations of motorcycle riders. The facility allows visitors to purchase exclusive factory items and enjoy complimentary factory tours to witness the bike assembly process firsthand.

Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
Arnolds Park Amusement Park Spirit Center, Arnolds Park, Iowa, 51331
The museum has amassed an extensive collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts from the early twentieth century that depict the "golden age" of boating on the Iowa Great Lakes. The museum features a wide variety of antiques, including a ship salvaged from the waters of West Okoboji, wooden boats, marine equipment, and historical artifacts.

Iowa Rock N' Roll Music Association Museum
243 W Broadway St., Arnolds Park, Iowa, 51331
This little museum will take you on a-rockin' trip down memory lane with its collection of artifacts and memorabilia from famous musicians who have connections to the area.

Kurio Kastle Pottery Painting Palace
709 16th Street, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360
It's a great place to unwind and get creative, with lots of amazing artwork by local artists to peruse and use as inspiration. The Kurio Kastle Pottery Painting Palace is devoted to showcasing all-ceramic painting, from the various paints available to the different painting techniques.

Okoboji Summer Theatre
2001 US-71 Okoboji, Iowa, 51355
Stephens College's seasoned summer theater company brings both classic and contemporary works to the stage, and the same talented featured artists return each year to direct, design, and perform in all nine shows. Theatrical immersive apprenticeships are also available to undergraduates studying theatre.

Pearson Lakes Art Center
2201 US-71, Okoboji, Iowa, 51355
Workshops, a library, a gift shop, an outdoor sculptural trail, and a one-of-a-kind culinary arts kitchen are just some of the amenities the museum offers, in addition to its six exhibition halls and theater. This is the place to be for those who appreciate well-executed events and thought-provoking artwork.

Treasure Village Mini-Golf
2023, IA-86 Milford, Iowa, 51351
In 1973, to create a place where people of all ages could have fun, a 27-hole course with unique obstacles and Mischief Spinners was constructed.

Westport Rural School Museum
22531 Nature Center Road, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360
Historic primers, tables, a piano, and maps can be found in this Dickinson County landmark. You can participate in traditional classroom activities such as writing on a slate, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and ringing the school bell.

Great Lakes Cinema 7
1698 Exchange St Okoboji, Iowa, 51355
A chain of theaters that shows new releases and deals on popcorn and soda during the week. The theater features a seven-screen layout, all leather stadium seating, and remarkable digital projection.

Kindermusik at the Lakes
2201 US-71, Okoboji, Iowa, 51355
Are you looking for a creative and engaging way to bond with your kids? Visit Kindermusik, the industry-leading provider of music and movement programs for young children, and enjoy first-rate service. The goal of Kindermusik is to bring parents and children together in an interactive setting where they can learn and create together.

Milford Pioneer Theater
905 Okoboji Ave, Milford, Iowa, 51351
New releases, recliner seating, beer, wine, and friendly service with a touch of small-town nostalgia await you at this historic theater run by a local family.

Okoboji Classic Car Museum
810 Jeppeson Road West, Okoboji, Iowa, 51351
This is the place to go for those with a penchant for the past and a desire to see a wide variety of vintage automobiles. Gearheads and art collectors alike will appreciate the museum's magnificent murals, which serve as a stunning backdrop for the museum's exhibits. It's a great place to take the kids if you want to do something different and exciting together.

Superior 71 Drive-In Theater
1482 300th Ave, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360
A drive-in movie theater with a 90-foot screen and a concession stand. Come on down and get in on a double feature for one!

The Wine Bar and Art Gallery
139 W Broadway St Arnolds Park, Iowa, 51331
Excellent wine, craft beers, art exhibitions, and live music will force you to visit this one-of-a-kind wine bar and art gallery. It will be an experience to remember. An outdoor patio, bar stool seating, and a comfortable lounge area are available at the Wine Bar and Art Gallery.

Vermeer's Glass Art
302 Grand Ave., Spencer, Iowa, 51301
Do you want to rearrange the furniture in your house or workplace? Fused art glass, ornamental glass plates, bowls, decorations, and wall displays by Vermeer Glass Art are all handmade and will look great in any setting.